Why Compare Private Hire Taxi Insurance?
Private Hire Risk Varies
Licensing authority, app work, annual mileage and driver history can all change how insurance providers assess a quote.
Cover Needs To Match Work
A minicab, airport transfer driver or app-based PHV driver may need different cover details and optional extras.
Compare Details Side By Side
Comparing private hire quotes can help you review cover level, excesses, optional extras and payment terms before choosing.
What Is Private Hire Taxi Insurance?
Private hire taxi insurance (sometimes called minicab insurance, PHV insurance, PCO insurance or app driver cover) is required for drivers who carry passengers on pre-booked journeys, where this use falls outside the scope of standard motor insurance. If you operate with a local firm, run an airport transfer service, or drive for an app, typically you'll need this policy to help ensure your business meets licensing and insurance requirements. For information on policies for street pickups or black cabs, see our public hire insurance and black cab insurance pages.
What’s Covered By Private Hire Taxi Insurance?
Choosing the right cover level matters when your vehicle is used for pre-booked passenger work. Please note that policy features, benefits, terms and conditions vary among insurance providers, so always check the policy wording.
| Feature | Comprehensive | Third Party, Fire & Theft | Third Party Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third party liability for injury or damage to others | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fire damage to your private hire vehicle | Yes | Yes | No |
| Theft of your private hire vehicle | Yes | Yes | No |
| Accidental damage to your own vehicle | Yes | No | No |
| Passenger liability while carrying pre-booked passengers | Usually included | Usually included | Usually included |
| Windscreen or glass repair | Often included | Optional | No |
| Courtesy or replacement plated vehicle | Optional | Optional | No |
| Personal use outside private hire work | Check policy | Check policy | Check policy |
Private hire policies should match your licence, local authority rules and the way the vehicle is used. Check whether social, domestic and pleasure use is included if you also drive the vehicle off-duty.
Exclusions – What’s Not Covered?
Private hire insurance has strict use, licence and driver conditions. Here are common exclusions and limits to check before you drive.
Standard Exclusions
- Street Pickups or Rank Work - Private hire cover is for pre-booked journeys. Street pickups or rank work usually need public hire or hackney carriage cover.
- Driving Outside Your Licensed Area - Some policies restrict where you can accept work. Check your local authority and policy conditions before taking jobs outside your area.
- Unlisted Drivers - If someone not named or accepted on the policy drives the vehicle, the insurer may decline a claim.
- Undeclared App or Platform Work - Tell the insurer if you drive for apps or platforms. Undeclared work patterns can affect eligibility and claims.
Important Limitations
- Personal Use Not Included - Some private hire policies exclude social, domestic and pleasure use unless it is added. Check before driving off-duty.
- Wear and Tear or Mechanical Failure - Routine repairs, maintenance and breakdowns are usually excluded unless separate breakdown cover applies.
Add-Ons For Private Hire Taxi Insurance
Optional extras can fill practical gaps around breakdowns, passenger claims, keys and legal costs. Only add the extras that fit the way you work.
Can help with claims from passengers or members of the public for injury or property damage linked to your work.
Helps with roadside assistance and recovery if your private hire vehicle breaks down during work.
May help with legal costs after a dispute or non-fault accident, subject to policy limits.
Can help you keep working if your plated vehicle is off the road after an insured incident, subject to availability.
Helps with replacement keys, locksmith costs and reprogramming if taxi keys are lost or stolen.
May protect your no claims discount after one or more accepted claims, depending on the policy terms.
How Much Does Private Hire Taxi Insurance Cost?
Your private hire quote depends on the vehicle, driver, work pattern and licensing area. These are the factors that can shape the price.
| Key Factor | Impact on Your Price |
|---|---|
| Licensing authority | Local rules, operating areas and claim patterns can all affect how insurers rate private hire work. |
| Vehicle type and value | Newer, higher-value or wheelchair-accessible vehicles can cost more to repair or replace. |
| Driver age and experience | Younger drivers or newer private hire drivers may face higher pricing from some insurers. |
| Claims and conviction history | Claims, points or convictions can affect eligibility, excesses and price. |
| Annual mileage | More working miles usually mean more road exposure, which can increase the premium. |
| App-based or contract work | Platform driving, airport runs, school contracts or mixed work can change the risk profile. |
| Overnight parking and security | Secure parking, alarms, trackers and cameras may reduce theft exposure in some cases. |
| Cover level and excess | Comprehensive cover and lower excesses usually cost more than narrower cover with a higher excess. |
Price Tip: Compare the excess, payment terms and optional extras as well as the headline premium, since a lower price can come with tighter limits.
Ways To Save On Private Hire Taxi Insurance
Every private hire driver wants to keep their insurance costs as low as possible - without sacrificing the cover that keeps you safe and legal. Whether you’re running a minicab full-time, working part-time, or driving for an app, here are some
ways that may help you manage the cost of your private hire taxi insurance:
Compare Quotes Each Year
Private hire pricing can change at renewal, so checking fresh quotes may help you understand current market options.
Keep Vehicle Security Strong
Dashcams, trackers, alarms and secure parking may reduce theft and claim risk in the eyes of some insurers.
Pay Annually If Affordable
Paying in one instalment can avoid interest or finance charges that may apply to monthly payments.
Only Add Drivers You Need
Remove drivers who no longer use the vehicle and avoid extras that do not fit your work pattern.
Build Your No Claims Bonus
Claim-free years can support a stronger renewal position, although the effect depends on the insurer.
Set A Realistic Excess
A higher voluntary excess may reduce the price, but it should remain affordable if you need to claim.
For even more ways to save - plus tips for public hire, Uber, and other taxi jobs - check out our taxi insurance hub or see our guides for public hire insurance and Uber insurance.
How To Get A Private Hire Taxi Insurance Quote
Getting a quote is typically quick – just have these details ready:
Enter Vehicle Details
Provide the registration, make, model, age, value, seating and any accessibility adaptations.
Add Licence And Work Details
Confirm your private hire licence, licensing authority, operating area and whether you use apps or contract work.
Add Driver History
Declare claims, convictions, no claims bonus and every driver who needs to use the vehicle.
Choose Cover And Add-Ons
Pick the cover level and extras that match your work, including public liability or breakdown if needed.
Compare Available Quotes
Review price, excesses, limits and optional extras before choosing whether to continue with a provider.
What Our Expert Says
"Private hire drivers rely on specialist insurance to protect themselves, their business and their passengers. Compare quotes, check the details, and choose a policy that fits how you work – whether you drive full-time, part-time, or through an app."Insurance Expert & Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Private Hire Taxi Insurance FAQ
Do I Need Private Hire Insurance To Drive A Taxi?
If you transport passengers for payment, you need taxi insurance that matches your licence type. Private hire drivers require private hire insurance, as standard car insurance does not provide cover for hire and reward use.
What Are The Most Important Types Of Private Hire Insurance Cover?
The most important cover for a private hire taxi is road risks. Road risks cover forms the foundation of private hire insurance and is required for vehicles used for hire and reward, subject to licence and policy terms. Other important types of private hire taxi cover that you may wish to consider include public liability insurance, personal injury, loss of licence and breakdown assistance.
How Much Will My Private Hire Taxi Insurance Cost?
The cost of a private hire taxi insurance policy will depend on a few different factors. Insurance providers will take the following into account when coming up with a price – the value of your vehicle, your driving history, your age, no claims bonus, your taxi driving experience and the level of cover you take out. Other considerations may typically apply too. The cost will vary depending on whether you decide to include add-ons or more miles as-well.
Does Private Hire Taxi Insurance Include Public Liability Cover?
While public liability cover is not legally required, it is typically a good idea to take it. Generally, it is an optional extra, but many insurers recommend getting it anyway. It protects you – the driver against claims made by passengers and helps pay (up to set limits) for the cost of any injuries that occur. You can obtain a quote for taxi insurance at the top or foot of this page. You will need to know the area you work in so you can compare the different policies. Some policies do not cover work outside of their area, and others offer only partial cover. Typically, the level of private hire taxi insurance cover that you need for your business will depend on what type of vehicle you have and where you are operating. For example, some policies only offer full-cover if you work in certain areas.
Is Private Hire Insurance Cheaper Than Public Hire Insurance?
In general, private hire insurance is more affordable than public hire insurance since the risks associated with driving a private hire taxi versus a public hire taxi are lower.
How Will I Get My Private Hire Insurance Documents?
In most cases your private hire taxi insurance documents will be sent to you via email and in the post.
Does It Make A Difference To My Private Hire Insurance Which Plating Authority I Operate Under?
Insurance providers provide a quotation based on many factors which can include the area you operate in. Some of the plating authorities are as follows: Brighton & Hove, Southampton, Bristol, Reigate and Banstead, Plymouth, Middlesborough, Kingston-Upon-Hull, Knowsley, South Gloucester, Peterborough, Crawley, Tameside, Huntingdon, Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Doncaster, Newport, Blackpool, Aylesbury Vale, Rotherham, Calderdale, Edinburgh, Sefton, Glasgow City, Stockport, Kirklees, Walsall, Durham, Trafford, South Tyneside, Wirral, Warrington, Oldham, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Sheffield, Sandwell, Leicester, Wigan, Leeds, Stoke On Trent, Hackney, Blackburn With Darwen, Bolton, Rochdale
Does Standard Car Insurance Cover Work Through An App Like Uber?
No. A standard car insurance policy does not cover carrying passengers for hire or reward, including app-based private hire work. You need a policy that specifically includes private hire use, regardless of which booking app you drive for.
Do I Need An HMRC Tax Check To Renew My Taxi Licence?
Yes. Since 4 April 2022, you must complete a tax check with HM Revenue and Customs and give the code to your licensing authority before a taxi or private hire licence can be renewed in England, Wales or Scotland. It is a short online check confirming you are registered for tax, and it does not affect your insurance directly, but you cannot stay licensed - and therefore insurable for taxi work - without it.
Private Hire Insurance Providers You May See Mentioned
Some drivers search by provider name when checking private hire, minicab or app-based taxi cover. Mentioning a provider does not mean it is available through this quote journey or likely to quote for your circumstances.
- Acorn Taxi Insurance - A taxi insurance name drivers may see when researching private hire cover.
- A-Plan Taxi Insurance - A broker brand some drivers may recognise from wider taxi insurance searches.
- Aviva Taxi Insurance - A mainstream insurance brand that may appear during taxi cover research.
- Bell Taxi Insurance - A named route some private hire drivers may check while comparing options.
- Collingwood Taxi Insurance - A provider name that may come up in taxi insurance searches.
- Cover My Cab Taxi Insurance - A taxi-focused name some private hire drivers may search for.
- Eridge Taxi Insurance - A named taxi insurance route drivers may want to compare against others.
- Flag Taxi Insurance - A provider name that may appear in taxi trade research.
- Freeway Taxi Insurance - A named route private hire drivers may see mentioned online.
- Haven Taxi Insurance - A specialist motor insurer name often seen in taxi insurance research.
- INSHUR Taxi Insurance - A digital insurance brand often associated with app-based private hire drivers.
- Jenkinson Taxi Insurance - A broker name some taxi drivers may recognise from the trade.
- Patons Taxi Insurance - A taxi insurance name drivers may search for when comparing routes.
- Riviera Taxi Insurance - A named provider route that may appear in private hire insurance searches.
- Todd Taxi Insurance - A broker name that may be familiar to taxi and private hire drivers.
- Towergate Taxi Insurance - A broker brand some drivers may include in wider taxi insurance research.
- Tradex Taxi Insurance - A specialist motor insurer name often seen in taxi insurance searches.
- Westminster Taxi Insurance - A named taxi insurance route drivers may review alongside others.
- Zego Taxi Insurance - A usage-based insurance brand often associated with private hire and delivery work.
Search & Compare Quotes From UK Private Hire Insurance Providers
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